The Justice Trevor Olsson and Ian Rohde Mud Map

These bullet points were developed to indicate key areas where technology has the potential to improve court processes. The ratings are an indication of how far things had progressed in Australia at the time of the 1998 conference, and again in 2000. The ratings are based on the evidence of the presentations, and also on the review and site visits undertaken as part of the preparation for the conference. More details will be provided in the post-conference review document currently being completed.

• Electronic commerce will become prevalent

• Voice recognition software will improve and become more widespread

• Video conferencing will become standard

• Flat-screen technology will make computers in courtrooms more acceptable

• Computer graphics and reconstructions will improve

• Software compatibility and interfacing will improve

• Use of computers in analysing issues and implications will increase

• Costs will come down

• Online communications between justice sector, law firms, courts and other agencies will improve

• Online links to private homes will increase

• Case management data will become entered into computer systems in the natural course of administration

• Outcomes of proceedings, such as orders, fines or rulings will be achieved through in-court data management

• All courtrooms will ultimately be computerised

• All courtroom staff will be computer literate

• All appeals will be electronic

• All transcripts and exhibits will be accessible by hyperlinking